sort of contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of contradiction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or statement that appears to be contradictory or conflicting in nature, but may not be entirely so. Example: "His explanation was a sort of contradiction, as he claimed to support the initiative while simultaneously criticizing its implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's the sort of contradiction that Ghaziani argues lies at the heart of contemporary gay life.

The New Yorker

It's the sort of contradiction that can make Chinese views of the U.S. baffling.

The Washington Post

"Every sort of contradiction can be found in me," Montaigne wrote.

The Guardian - Opinion

Directed with a light touch and a strong hand by Jonathan Silverstein, the play itself is a sort of contradiction.

The New York Times

Indeed, if his denunciation of the cult of personality has only enhanced his own mystique, that is the sort of contradiction that he relishes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bemporad called this sort of contradiction a source of "incredible dynamic tension" and framed it as an opportunity for brands to rethink their design principles so that aspirational consumers can feel that they are doing both at once.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's these sorts of contradictions that encourage me to keep looking".

The New Yorker

At the novel's close, both young people have accepted their fates, though not without complex emotions: "Our hearts have room for all sorts of contradictions".

The New Yorker

These sorts of contradictions make apt grist for the mill of academia, but they also resonated more personally for Yerushalmi, who was not only a professional Jewish historian — "a new creature in Jewish history," as he wrote in "Zakhor" — but also an ordained rabbi, who briefly led a congregation in Larchmont.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet These sorts of contradictions make apt grist for the mill of academia, but they also resonated more personally for Yerushalmi, who was not only a professional Jewish historian — "a new creature in Jewish history," as he wrote in "Zakhor" — but also an ordained rabbi, who briefly led a congregation in Larchmont.

The New Yorker

Still, as the feminist historian Sheila Rowbotham has put it, those sorts of contradictions make for "a much more muddled picture -- and a far more interesting history.... Women have experienced the fracturing of feminine identity in the course of this century and somehow accommodated to living the split".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of contradiction" to accurately portray situations that present conflicting elements but do not amount to a complete, logical fallacy. This allows for acknowledging complexity and avoiding overly harsh characterizations.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of contradiction" excessively in your writing, as it can weaken your arguments. If a genuine contradiction exists, state it directly. If the conflict is minor, consider more precise language like "minor inconsistency" or "apparent discrepancy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of contradiction" functions as a qualifier, softening the impact of the word "contradiction". It is used to describe a situation or statement that appears to be contradictory, but may not be entirely or logically so. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sort of contradiction" is a useful tool for describing situations that have elements of conflict but don't amount to a complete logical fallacy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news media and academic writing. Remember to use it judiciously, and be prepared to offer more precise language if the situation demands. Alternatives like "apparent contradiction" or "minor inconsistency" can provide greater clarity in certain contexts. The key is to use the most accurate term to reflect the specific nature and extent of the perceived conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparent contradiction

Focuses on the contradiction being perceived rather than necessarily real.

seeming contradiction

Similar to "apparent contradiction", highlighting the surface-level conflict.

mild inconsistency

Downplays the severity of the contradiction, suggesting a minor discrepancy.

slight paradox

Uses "paradox" to indicate a self-contradictory statement that may reveal a deeper truth.

hint of conflict

Suggests a subtle disagreement or tension, weaker than a full contradiction.

touch of incongruity

Highlights the lack of harmony or agreement, rather than direct opposition.

element of paradox

Similar to "slight paradox", this option emphasizes the paradoxical aspect of the situation.

shade of inconsistency

Implies a subtle and not immediately obvious inconsistency.

minor discrepancy

Similar to "mild inconsistency", suggesting a small difference or divergence.

superficial conflict

Points out the conflict is only on the surface of something.

FAQs

How can I use "sort of contradiction" in a sentence?

You can use "sort of contradiction" to describe something that appears contradictory but isn't fully illogical. For example, "His statement was a "sort of contradiction" because he supported the policy but criticized its execution".

What's a good alternative to "sort of contradiction"?

Depending on the context, you could use "apparent contradiction", "mild inconsistency", or "slight paradox" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "sort of contradiction" formal or informal?

"Sort of contradiction" is generally considered neutral to informal. In more formal contexts, consider using more precise or stronger terms like "inherent conflict" or "logical inconsistency".

What is the difference between "sort of contradiction" and "outright contradiction"?

"Sort of contradiction" implies the contradiction is not absolute or complete, suggesting some mitigating factors or nuances. "Outright contradiction" suggests a clear and direct opposition without any ambiguity.